JAY WEINBERG ‘Wouldn’t Trade For The World’ His ‘Memories And Experiences’ As A Member Of SLIPKNOT

Former SLIPKNOT drummer Jay Weinberg has reflected on his time with the band, saying that he “wouldn’t trade for the world” his memories and experiences as a member of the long-running extreme metal outfit.

Earlier today (Sunday, December 10),Weinberg shared a photo of the four masks he wore during his time in SLIPKNOT and he included the following message: “For 19 years, my goals in music and art have always centered around maintaining some sort of forward motion. It feels a bit paradoxical at times to look in the rearview mirror, but some moments and milestones are significant enough to take pause and reflect.

“Today marks the 10th anniversary of becoming a part of something I grew up believing in. I don’t hold onto many mementos, but to me these represent a decade of focused and impassioned dedication to that forward movement. Throughout that time, I learned much about application, tenacity, and the satisfaction of committing to breaking through creative thresholds; reaching those artistic goals through constant, concentrated hard work — all fueled by true love of the music.

“In some respects, the person who wore the mask on the right and the person who wore the mask on the left feel like two completely different individuals — separated only by experience gained, miles traveled, friendships created, and a connection to the instrument strengthened and deepened so far beyond what I thought was possible.

“The memories and experiences that these four masks represent, I wouldn’t trade for the world. And I’m honored that you all have been there, every step of the way.

“So — here’s to you, the last 10 years, and wherever the next 10 years bring us.”

On November 5, SLIPKNOT released a statement via social media in which it said it had “decided to make a creative decision and to part ways with Jay.”

Six days later, Weinberg, who replaced Joey Jordison, SLIPKNOT‘s original drummer, in 2013, shared on Instagram that he “was heartbroken and blindsided to receive the phone call”, “the news of which, most of you learned shortly after.”

“This is not the ending to the journey I’d dreamt of, and committed myself to seeing through – not by a long shot,” he wrote. “But, despite the confusion and sadness, there is something that’s provided an equal amount of comfort. For many of you reading this: 10 years ago, we weren’t yet acquainted. And now, we are. For that, I’m thankful in ways I’ll never be able to fully express.”

Jay played his final show with SLIPKNOT on November 3 at the Hell & Heaven festival in Toluca, Mexico.

When SLIPKNOT announced Weinberg‘s departure, the band thanked Jay “for his dedication and passion over the past ten years.” The group added: “No one can ever replace Joey Jordison‘s original sound, style or energy, but Jay honored Joey‘s parts and contributed to the last three albums and we, the band, and the fans appreciate it. But as ever, SLIPKNOT is intent on evolving. We wish Jay all the best and are very excited for what the future holds.”

The now-33-year-old Jay discovered SLIPKNOT when he was a pre-teen, through his father, Max Weinberg, of Bruce Springsteen‘s E STREET BAND, and leader of the house band on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show. He was hooked immediately and was a huge fan of SLIPKNOT by the time he was invited to Los Angeles to try out as replacement for Joey Jordison in 2013.

For the first few months after the release of 2014’s “.5: The Gray Chapter”, the members of SLIPKNOT had declined to name the musicians who were playing drums and bass on their tour, despite the fact that their identities were revealed as Weinberg and bassist Alessandro “Vman” Venturella by a disgruntled former drumtech for SLIPKNOT who posted a picture of a backstage call sheet on Instagram.

“.5: The Gray Chapter” went on to score a trio of Grammy nominations, including two for “Best Metal Performance” and a nomination for “Best Rock Album”.

Weinberg also played on 2019’s “We Are Not Your Kind” and 2022’s “The End, So Far”, both of which topped Billboard‘s rock albums chart.

Prior to joining SLIPKNOT, Weinberg was a member of AGAINST ME!, having played with the Florida-based act from November 2010 until December 2012.

Weinberg joined AGAINST ME! shortly after he was ousted from MADBALL and following the departure of AGAINST ME!‘s previous sticksman, George Rebelo.

In May 2013, Weinberg filled in for KVELERTAK drummer Kjetil Gjermundrod during the band’s North American tour because Gjermundrod had to bow out of the run after experiencing significant pain in his arm.

Last month, Weinberg underwent an outpatient procedure to repair the torn labrum of his left hip and shave down a misshapen part of his femur.